At the entrance of the Southern Pharmacy, dense branches provided shade; the old courtyard remained as decrepit as it had always been. However, it was spring, and the climate was gradually warming. Amidst the heavy grayness, several tiny flowers unbeknownst to anyone had sporadically bloomed, adding a dab of brightness to the gloom.
She turned around, carrying her medical kit and luggage, and left without looking back.
...
When He Xiu returned to the lodging quarters, it was already nighttime.
Because of the matter with Zhu Mao, she had been taken away for questioning by the Imperial Apothecary, her emotions fluctuating all day long. Knowing that Zhu Mao would no longer appear in the Southern Pharmacy, He Xiu still felt as if it had all been a dream.
The bed next to the quarters was empty, the bedding gone. He Xiu paused, asking the people inside the room, "Has Physician Lu not returned yet?"
